 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|
| Greg Dolhon | Dan Smith | Tim Rinker |
TEAM: North Pocono Trojans
COLORS: Red, White & Black
COACH: Greg Dohlon, 10th Season (42-51)
PIAA: Class 4A
2021 CONFERENCE: LFC Division 1
2020 RECORD: 2-3 (2-1 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 30-23
STADIUM: NP Sports Complex
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 4
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: I, Multiple
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-4, 4-3
2021 PREVIEW
The Trojans were 2-1 in the conference last season with their only loss coming to Delaware Valley. North Pocono is hoping the DV game in regular season finale will be for the league title in 2021. Looking at what’s returning, the strength should be the defense but the offense also has some key returning players.
All high school coaches love when their quarterback returns for another season and Greg Dolhon has that luxury. Will Soma was solid last season with 472 yards and 5 touchdowns in five games. Noah West will be his primary backup. The offense loses its top running back and top two receivers, but Dan Smith is expected to be Soma’s No. 1 target in the passing game while tight end Ty Lafave returns as an option in the middle of the field and the red zone. Ashton Smith and Riley Moore will also see time at wide receiver while Alex Brinkman and A.J. Ambrosecchia give the Trojans depth at tight end. Michael Blaine takes over as the No. 1 running back and several players will compete for playing time at fullback – Kory Eisley, Liam Burke, Evan Jenkins, and Zachary Gallant.
The right side of the offensive line will be the strength with right guard Zach Hoover and right tackle Tim Rinker back as starters from last season. Brendan Kearney is penciled in at left tackle while Damien Oltmann and Andrew Martin will be in the mix for left guard and Dom Boettinger, Jake Keating, and Kevin Gillette will be considered for the center position.
The run defense should be especially good with three starters returning on the defensive line – Ambrosecchia, Brinkman and Kearney. Dylan Griffith and Rinker should also be in the rotation. Kory Eisley and Lafave, who was the leading tackler, are also back. Ashton Smith, Hoover and Blaine will also see time at linebacker. Dan Smith is the only returning starter in the secondary. Gavin Jones and Moore will compete for the other cornerback position. Soma and West will be the safeties.
The kicking game is very strong with Jordan Carr back to handle the punting and placekicking. Brady Mapes provides some depth at kicker.
QUOTE FROM COACH DOLHON: We are very excited for the season to begin. The players are thrilled to have a full season in front of them and hopefully the playoffs. The summer practices, since June 8th, have gone very well. If we can play well up front on both sides of the ball our skill positions should make us very competitive.
Returning All-Stars -LFC Division I
First Team Tight End & First Team Linebacker – Ty Lafave
First Team Defensive Line: A.J. Ambrosecchia
First Team Defensive Back: Dan Smith
Honorable Mention Quarterback: Will Soma
